First Foundation Bank Partners With the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco to Award $100,000 Grant to TMC Community Capital

Rhea-AI Summary

First Foundation Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco have awarded a $100,000 grant to TMC Community Capital through the AHEAD Program. The funding will support TMC's 'Racially Just Community-Based Underwriting' program, focusing on underserved small businesses in California's rural areas and Central Valley.

The program leverages alternative data, community partnerships, and technology to facilitate microloans for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing. First Foundation Bank has extended its support beyond financial assistance by providing TMC with office space in Los Angeles to facilitate their expansion into Southern California.

The initiative aims to bridge the economic gap for small businesses through technology and community-based lending approaches, particularly targeting cash-based and credit-invisible businesses. Local business organizations can apply on behalf of small businesses, utilizing their knowledge of local economies to support entrepreneurs.

Positive

• Strategic partnership expansion with Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
• Contribution to community development through $100,000 grant program
• Geographic expansion into Southern California market

Negative

• None.

Insights

Community Development Finance Expert

This strategic partnership represents more than just philanthropic activity - it's a calculated move that strengthens FFWM's position in community development finance while addressing regulatory requirements and market opportunities. The $100,000 grant through the AHEAD Program, while modest in size, serves as a catalyst for several key business objectives:

The initiative's focus on alternative underwriting methods is particularly noteworthy from a business perspective. By supporting TMC's technology-driven approach to evaluating credit-invisible businesses, FFWM gains valuable insights into innovative lending methodologies that could inform its own credit assessment practices. This exposure to alternative data and community-based underwriting models positions the bank at the forefront of evolving lending practices in underserved markets.

From a regulatory standpoint, this partnership enhances FFWM's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) portfolio. The focus on rural areas and the Central Valley - regions typically underserved by traditional banking - demonstrates proactive compliance with CRA requirements while opening potential new markets for the bank's services.

The provision of office space in Los Angeles for TMC's expansion reveals a deeper strategic alignment. This physical presence creates opportunities for FFWM to build relationships with local businesses that may eventually graduate to traditional banking services, effectively creating a pipeline of future customers while fulfilling its community development mandate.

The program's emphasis on technology-enabled lending and alternative data collection positions FFWM advantageously in the evolving financial services landscape, where traditional credit evaluation methods are increasingly complemented by alternative approaches. This exposure to innovative lending practices could provide valuable insights for the bank's own product development and risk assessment methodologies.

02/20/2025 - 06:55 AM

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Foundation Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, is proud to announce a $100,000 grant awarded to TMC Community Capital (TMC). This grant highlights First Foundation Bank's commitment to promoting economic growth and financial inclusion in underserved communities.

Through the Federal Home Loan Bank's AHEAD Program, which supports economic development initiatives for low- and moderate-income communities, First Foundation Bank sponsored TMC's successful grant application. The funds will aid TMC in expanding its "Racially Just Community-Based Underwriting" program, specifically targeting underserved small businesses in California's rural areas and the Central Valley.

The “Racially Just Community-Based Underwriting” program utilizes alternative data, community partners, and technology to enhance access to and expedite the provision of microloans for small businesses. By collaborating with local business organizations, TMC gains deeper insights into cash-based and credit-invisible businesses in the community. Partnering organizations can apply on behalf of local small businesses, empowering the community by trusting their knowledge of local economies. With the help of partnerships and alternative data collection, this program provides essential capital to entrepreneurs who may not meet traditional loan financing criteria.

First Foundation Bank has partnered with TMC through financial sponsorship, grants, and vital support to enhance the nonprofit's lending capabilities. As TMC aimed to expand its operations into Southern California, First Foundation Bank provided office space in Los Angeles, CA, enabling TMC to grow its footprint and further its reach to entrepreneurs in Southern California.

"We are deeply grateful for the support of First Foundation Bank and FHLBank San Francisco's AHEAD Program. Their commitment to investing in underserved entrepreneurs is not just financial. It is a belief in the potential of small businesses to transform communities,” said Daniel Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer of TMC Community Capital. “First Foundation Bank has been more than a partner. They have been a champion of our mission, helping us break down barriers to capital and open doors for those who have long been overlooked. Their generosity extends beyond funding, as they have also provided us with a new office space to support our expansion across California. With this support, we are not just funding businesses. We are fueling dreams, creating opportunities, and building a more inclusive economy where every entrepreneur has a fair shot at success."

Through its innovative lending approach, TMC is making a significant impact on the lives of entrepreneurs and low-income and under-resourced small business owners. Bridging the economic gap for small businesses through technology is essential for success among entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from traditional financing options.

Sylvia Figueroa, Director of Community Development and CRA Officer at First Foundation Bank, stated, "Reinvesting in communities that have historically lacked access to financing options and assisting them in obtaining resources is a key component of our community partnerships. Access to capital is crucial for starting businesses, and organizations that educate small businesses and provide initial financing can make a profound difference in creating a vibrant, growing local economy."

Figueroa added, "We are proud to support TMC and their efforts to create opportunities for small businesses in our communities. Through our partnership, we are investing in a stronger, more inclusive small business ecosystem. The AHEAD Program represents a significant step towards ensuring underserved entrepreneurs have the financial resources they need to thrive."

First Foundation Bank's ongoing support of TMC aligns with its broader mission of promoting economic growth and financial inclusion. By facilitating access to capital and offering essential resources, the bank aims to help small businesses flourish in communities that need it most.

For more information about TMC Community Capital and its programs, visit https://tmccommunitycapital.org/.

About TMC Community Capital

TMC Community Capital is transforming the microfinance landscape by addressing unmet needs and meeting small businesses where they are. As a nonprofit CDFI, TMC Community Capital is dedicated to leveling the financial playing field and empowering women-owned, low-income, and under-resourced small businesses in California. By driving financial equity, bridging the digital divide, and delivering an outstanding user experience, TMC Community Capital ensures these businesses have the resources they need to thrive.

About First Foundation

First Foundation Inc. (NYSE: FFWM) and its subsidiaries offer personal banking, business banking, and private wealth management services, including investment, trust, insurance, and philanthropy services. This comprehensive platform of financial services is designed to help clients at any stage in their financial journey. The broad range of financial products and services offered by First Foundation are more consistent with those offered by larger financial institutions, while its high level of personalized service, accessibility, and responsiveness to clients is more aligned with community banks and boutique wealth management firms. This combination of an integrated platform of comprehensive financial products and personalized service differentiates First Foundation from many of its competitors and has contributed to the growth of its client base and business. Learn more at firstfoundationinc.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunities, and improve lives. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions - commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions - propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250220996468/en/

Media Contact:

Heather Tice

Marketing Manager

htice@ff-inc.com

239-325-3750

Source: First Foundation Inc.

FAQ

What is the value and purpose of First Foundation Bank's grant to TMC Community Capital?

First Foundation Bank awarded a $100,000 grant to TMC Community Capital to expand their 'Racially Just Community-Based Underwriting' program, targeting underserved small businesses in California's rural areas and Central Valley.

How is First Foundation Bank supporting TMC's expansion in Southern California?

First Foundation Bank is providing office space in Los Angeles to TMC Community Capital, enabling their expansion into Southern California and extending their reach to local entrepreneurs.

What is TMC's 'Racially Just Community-Based Underwriting' program?

It's a program that uses alternative data, community partners, and technology to provide microloans to small businesses that might not qualify for traditional financing, particularly focusing on cash-based and credit-invisible businesses.

How does First Foundation Bank's partnership with TMC benefit underserved entrepreneurs?

The partnership provides access to capital, office space, and resources for underserved entrepreneurs, particularly those who have been historically excluded from traditional financing options.